Pitt has joined a new network to drive innovation, jobs and growth across PA

Pennsylvania’s seven research intensive universities have joined forces with the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Team Pennsylvania to launch the Keystone AI + Quantum Factory, a statewide innovation network leveraging AI and quantum computing to translate university research into practical solutions for Pennsylvania’s key industries.

The initiative marks the first time the commonwealth’s seven research institutions have aligned around a shared vision to create large-scale artificial intelligence and quantum technologies for Pennsylvania’s businesses and workers.

“This collaboration will serve as a powerful economic catalyst for Pennsylvania,” said Barr von Oehsen, executive director of the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center. “It will transform groundbreaking research into solutions for the commonwealth's energy, manufacturing, agricultural, life sciences, AI and robotics sectors, while driving lasting job creation and building a future-proof workforce.”

“Bringing together Pennsylvania’s top research universities, the Keystone AI and Quantum Factory will accelerate breakthroughs in technologies that are shaping the future of our economy,” said Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Deputy Secretary for Technology and Entrepreneurship Jen Gilburg. “This initiative will turn world-class research into new companies, high-quality jobs and economic opportunity across the commonwealth.”

The Keystone AI + Quantum Factory is built on three interconnected pillars designed to drive economic growth and success:

• World-class research: Using new tools to drive cutting-edge research, launch startups and build smart partnerships with businesses across the commonwealth.
• Workforce development: Preparing students and employees across Pennsylvania for future-focused careers integrating technology.
• Shared infrastructure: Delivering large scale GPU/CPU and data resources that are needed to lead in the era of AI and supporting leadership in emerging technologies.

“The University of Pittsburgh is proudly supporting the Keystone Factory,” said Senior Vice Chancellor for Research Rob Rutenbar. “This effort will significantly advance our understanding of the universe through Professor Evan Schneider’s groundbreaking research in star formation, and it will enable better health outcomes through Professor Adrian Lee’s research on tumor evolution. For the first time, we are coordinating the expertise and sharing the infrastructure of our Center for Research Computing and Data to support Pennsylvanians and businesses across the commonwealth.”

Photography by Tom Altany